Honestly, we don't. But at least it is closer to a real believable number. Cyr's was done at an exhibition with 18 large men standing on a platform. I'm not sure if they were weighed or not, but it was probably close to claimed weight.

I think the popularity of the back lift came from circus's, fairs, and various stage shows, etc...... They'd load up these things with audience members, horses, elephants, showgirls, etc..... and it would be a treat for the eye. When that type of entertainment faded away, you hardly ever saw the lift again.

Maybe, but I think they were a bit more credible/reliable back then. I think as the years have passed, it's gotten harder to be "special," so you've got more people resorting to ridiculous measures to stand out. And, some of the reasons people even make it into the books now are even dumber; it's like if you can't break an existing record, create your own event like the most people whistling at one time, or the world's largest Zumba class.